SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 23– During the International Franchise Association’s 56th Annual Convention in San Antonio, 164 franchise executives and professionals achieved a Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation, which is a mark of distinction for franchise professionals and signifies their commitment to franchising. The number of graduates exceeds last year’s class, making it the largest class ever.

More than 2,000 executives are actively participating as candidates and graduates in the Certified Franchise Executive program. Nearly 351 IFA member companies currently have one or more executives enrolled in the program. The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) offers fundamental skills and knowledge that are essential for a franchise executive. These tools and solutions prepare franchise executives for successful leadership within the industry.

“The CFE program provides a forum that supports continued professional development and adherence to the highest standards in franchising. It is also a wonderful way to form valuable relationships and generate new ideas from different perspectives. Education is the key to career success. Becoming a Certified Franchise Executive is the key to franchising success,” said Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) Chair and Founder and Chairman of Rainbow Station, Inc. Gail Johnson, CFE.

The ICFE is the academic affiliate of the IFA Educational Foundation. Designees who meet all requirements and complete the program, which involves a prescribed course of study specific to franchising, earn the title. ICFE’s mission is to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education.

As a CFE, individuals commit themselves to lifelong learning and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge of franchising. Among franchise leaders, the CFE designation has become a mark that is widely known and offers a wide range of benefits, which include: professional development, career planning and dedication to their career.

About the International Franchise AssociationCelebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 800,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 9.1 million direct jobs, $994 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.